DAHLONEGA, GA – The Augusta women's basketball team went toe-to-toe with No. 7-ranked North Georgia but came up just short in a 71-70 loss on Saturday afternoon at the UNG Convocation Center. The game saw six lead changes, with Augusta rallying in the final minutes before a last-second shot sealed the win for the Nighthawks. The Jaguars now stand at 10-5 overall and 4-3 in Peach Belt Conference play.

Augusta (10-5, 4-3 Peach Belt)
FG% 35.4
3PT% 43.8
FT% 68.0

North Georgia (16-1, 6-1 Peach Belt)
FG% 36.8
3PT% 27.8
FT% 72.7

North Georgia took early control, jumping out to a 23-14 lead after the first quarter. Augusta responded with an 18-point second quarter, cutting the deficit to 40-32 at halftime. The Jaguars outscored North Georgia 14-13 in the third quarter before a dramatic fourth quarter saw multiple lead changes.

Trailing by five with under three minutes to play, Augusta mounted a comeback. A layup by Quinasia Abercrombie and a three-pointer from Mone Florence put the Jaguars in front 67-66 with 50 seconds left. North Georgia answered with a jumper to retake the lead, but Augusta responded again with free throws from Abercrombie to tie the game at 69-69 with 12 seconds remaining. However, North Georgia converted a layup in the closing seconds, and Augusta's final attempt came up short as time expired.

Key Performers for Augusta:
Autumn Phillips led Augusta with 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, hitting clutch shots throughout the game. Mone Florence added 12 points, knocking down three three-pointers while also tallying 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Quinasia Abercrombie contributed a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Yamani Paul provided a spark off the bench with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Elyse Autrey added 8 points, including two three-pointers, while Tyasia Freeman recorded 4 points and 3 rebounds.

Augusta outscored North Georgia 30-36 in the paint and held a 24-8 advantage in bench points. The Jaguars also secured 16 second-chance points off 12 offensive rebounds but were edged out on the glass, with North Georgia holding a 49-42 rebounding advantage.

UP NEXT: Augusta will look to bounce back at home when they face Georgia College in Peach Belt Conference action on Wednesday, January 29, at 5:30 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse.